SA Garden Catalogue: Crown of Thorns

The month of February seems 'less hot' than usual. In previous years, the run up to Chinese New Year has always been hot and dry. But this year is different. It still rains, though not so heavily, every so often. Mostly in the evening. There is a bit of 'Spring in the air' and most of the perennials are flowering, although not so profusely, except for the Plumbago, Gardenia, Frangipani and Melati. The Crown of thorns exhibit a few florets.

Fuchsia pink Crown of thorns (CNB)

Common name: Crown of thorns
Scientific name: Euphorbia milii/Euphobia splendens
Family: Euphorbia
Origin: Madagascar






The Crown of thorns comes in various colours but I only have the fuchsia pink and the light pink, yellow-green. The petal-like showy and colourful bracts encircle the tiny flowers, usually yellow or red. The flowers and colourful bracts are indeed the 'crown' of this shrub which has very thorny stems. Propagation is by cuttings (be careful and watch out for the thorns and milky drips) and the plant does not really need too much care.

Light pink, yellow-green Crown of thorns (CNB)

Note: After a long absence, the torch ginger has yielded two flowers this month. Frangipani grown in containers seem to flower better that the ones planted in the ground, at least in my garden. The white-yellow now has six bunches of flowers and their lemony fragrance fill the air in the mornings.